The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Fed Govt inaugurates 100-bed RH mother, child hospital in Akwa Ibom

    Fed Govt inaugurates 100-bed RH mother, child hospital in Akwa Ibom

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a 100-bed Renewed Hope Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Oko-Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    The state-of-the-art facility was initiated, constructed, and fully equipped under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).

    It is designed to provide comprehensive maternal, neonatal, and paediatric healthcare services to residents of the community and adjoining areas.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications to the OSSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, said Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, inaugurated the hospital on Wednesday.

    Read Also: PDP chief ‘slams Akwa Ibom govt’

    The governor hailed President Tinubu for strengthening rural healthcare systems.

    “Our President understands that health is wealth. The inauguration of this hospital speaks to the President’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the people, especially those in rural areas, as well as his resolve to implement Sustainable Development Goal-3 on good health and well-being,” Governor Eno said.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the facility as a symbol of hope and a reaffirmation of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development.

    “We are not merely unveiling a health facility. We are reaffirming our collective commitment to delivering quality healthcare to the most vulnerable segments of our society — our mothers and children,” she said.

    The presidential adviser emphasised that the project directly aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, quality health services, and the achievement of the SDGs across all regions of the country.

    The hospital is fully equipped with modern medical infrastructure, including operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, consultation rooms, laboratory and scanning rooms, ultra-scan machines, vacuum extractor delivery sets, and an emergency cart with full complements, among others.

    It is built to deliver respectful, safe, and dignified care to mothers and children in underserved communities.

    Citing the 2024 SDGs Progress Report, Princess Orelope-Adefulire acknowledged the impact of the “Triple C” crises — Climate, Conflict, and COVID-19 — on global and national healthcare systems.

    She stressed that the project represents strategic resilience and sustained progress.

    “Together, these crises have strained health systems, disrupted service delivery, displaced vulnerable populations, and diverted resources away from essential development priorities. But this facility is a testament to our resolve to deliver results despite the odds,” she said.

    The presidential adviser urged the Akwa Ibom State government, health professionals, traditional rulers, and local communities to take ownership of the facility to ensure its effective and sustainable operation.

    She hailed Governor Eno for creating a supportive environment that facilitated the project’s successful delivery.

    “This is what is possible when federal and state governments, development partners, and communities work together with a shared purpose,” Orelope-Adefulire added.

  • 2027: Olawepo-Hashim welcomes Jonathan, Atiku, Obi to PDP primary

    2027: Olawepo-Hashim welcomes Jonathan, Atiku, Obi to PDP primary

    A chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said he supports the speculated return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to the PDP.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Hassan Mahmoud, the PDP chieftain said he welcomed the politicians ahead of the party’s primaries, adding: “The more, the merrier.”

    He insisted that far from weakening the party, a competitive and transparent presidential primary would reawaken the PDP’s legacy as a democratic party in Nigeria.

    “The PDP was never meant to be an exclusive club. From day one, it was designed to be a national platform, a big umbrella for all shades of opinion, ideology, and aspiration,” Olawepo-Hashim said.

    Reflecting on the party’s formation in 1998, the business tycoon recalled how a journalist in the publicity subcommittee, which he served as secretary under the chairmanship of the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo proposed the umbrella symbol, now one of Nigeria’s most iconic political emblems.

    Read Also: Olawepo-Hashim and the leadership Nigeria deserves in 2027

    “We had giants of Nigeria’s political class under one roof,” he said. “Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Melford Okilo, Prof. Jubril Aminu, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, and many others, all men who could have been good Presidents. Yet, some dropped their initial ambition as things developed, while others went ahead and submitted themselves to a fair contest in Jos in 1999, which Olusegun Obasanjo eventually won.”

    Olawepo-Hashim noted that it was free and fair internal democracy that gave PDP its strength in its early years, not backdoor consensus or gatekeeping politics.

    He lauded the inclusive leadership of the party’s interim chairman at the time, Chief Solomon Lar, who kept the doors wide open for all.

    “Those who feared competition quietly exited the founding process. But we pressed on, and Nigeria benefited,” he said.

    The PDP chieftain called for a return to the party’s founding ideals of openness, tolerance, and democratic excellence.

    “If Jonathan, Atiku, Obi, and others wish to contest, they should be welcomed. Let the best ideas and visions emerge through fair competition. That is how to build a party of the future,” he added.

  • Ekiti 2026: 130 groups endorse Oyebanji

    Ekiti 2026: 130 groups endorse Oyebanji

    • …say Southwest should take voter registration serious’

    Over 130 pan-Yoruba civil society and community-based groups in Lagos State yesterday vowed to mobilise for the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    The groups converged under the umbrella of the ‘Conference of Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM) to discuss the theme: ‘Election in Yorubaland: which way forward?

    Speakers focussed o democracy, good governance and the imperative of right choice.

    Journalist and rights activist Wale Adeoye spoke on ‘Southwest elections:the role of the common man.’

    Also, a pro-democracy crusader Popoola Ajayi spoke on ‘Democracy and good governance in Ekiti in the last two years.’

    The members of the coalition came from the six Southwest ststes, Kogi, Kwara and some parts of Delta and Edo states.

    The AYDM described Oyebanji as a beacon of hope, not just for Ekiti State, but for the entire Yoruba Nation and countrty at large.

    Adeoye described Oyebanji as a competent governor, who should be given a second term to complete his laudable projects

    He said: “He has made us proud in Yorubaland. He epitomises Omoluabi. He stands tall among his peers. His support for regional integration is remarkable. He has built milestones in education, road construction, public health, agriculture and transparency in governance.”

    Adeoye lamented that the people of Southwest have not accorded priority to voter registration, urging them to change their actitude.

    He said election should not be perceived as the exclusive affair of the party members, adding: “There is strength in the number of votes you have.”

    Ajayi, who urged massive support for Oyebanji, said the governor is serving Ekiti with patriotism, integrity and sense of responsibility.

    He praised him for his open door policy, stresing that the town hall meetings,  feedbacks, transparency, accountability, accessibility, cordial legislative/executive relations, women and youth engagement, and inclusive policies are worthy of condemnation.

    Ajayi also said that the prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions for retirees have restored dignity into the public service.

    Over 1000 people attended the event held in Lagos. In a communiqe, the Alliance said elections in any part of Yoruba indigenous territories is of critical importance to all residents in the old Western Region including states where Yoruba are indigenous.

    As part of its decisions after the two-day conference, the AYDM set up a South West Election Working Group, (EWOG) that would begin door-to-door campaign across Ekiti State once the electoral umpire blows the whistle for the campaign.

    ‘We adopt the Governor of Ekiti State to strengthen a uniform political outlook of the people that in the South West. It is in the strategic interest of a people with one history, one culture and one civilisation to have a uniform political aspiration. It strengthens regional integration and sustainable development,’ the AYDM said in the statement signed by its General Secretary Popoola Ajayi on behalf of the coalition.

    Read Also: We’ve spent N50bn on agribusiness in three years, says Oyebanji

    The AYDM said the platform has brought together the most potent socio-cultural and community-based groups across the Old Western Region to speak with one voice for a people with shared history, blood-bound relationship and common aspiration.

    “The adoption will help mobilise people who live in Ekiti and those who live outside Ekiti but register in Ekiti State to vote massively for Oyebanji in the next gubernatorial election,’ the AYDM said.

    The group stated that elections are also a critical definition of ancestral territories and that elections anywhere in the Old Western Region is like a cobweb in which no single thread can be pulled without affecting the whole network. It said the entire humanity in the old Western Region should show keen interest in any of the Yoruba States in the interest of prosperity and development in the region.

     The AYDM said the South West would be a better place with a unified development possible only when the region has a political party with a common agenda. AYDM said historically, the people in these territories have lived together for centuries, in time of war and in times of peace and that at a point in Nigerian history, the people were grouped into the old Western Region excluding Kwara and Kogi states amidst protests by people living in these territories;

    It noted that elections, political-economy, culture and values of the indigenous people in these territories are the same and therefore, the people should always at all times unite, present a common front that reflects their historical and blood bound relationship;

    The alliance said it would will mobilise, conscientise and educate the people in villages and towns; dwellers of the mountains, the plains and open fields, including seafarers and occupants of the seashores in order to ensure the emergence of credible, honest and dedicated leaders;

    That the AYDM is concerned about future elections bearing in mind that the people cannot continue to be cannon folders but should take active play active and decisive role in shaping their own future, realising that the next election in the South West is the Ekiti election.

    Other resolutions are as follows:

    “Ekiti State with a population of 4million is one of the least beneficiaries of Federal allocation being one of the states on the lowest rank in the ladder;

    “These limited resources have not deterred the State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji from deepening democracy and transforming the state excellently;

    “AYDM is impressed about the recurrent and capital projects embarked upon by the State Governor covering agriculture, tourism, education, wealth creation, road construction, job creation, youth empowerment, infrastructure and human liberty;

    “The administration of  Oyebanji has performed creditable well rating far above average. He should given limited available resources have been able to impact the lives of majority of the people of Ekiti State;

    He has opened up fresh vistas of hope, lifting the people from despair;

    “The AYDM will work and ensure massive, overwhelming and decisive victory for the Ekiti State governor in the forthcoming Governorship election;

    “YDM hereby instructs all it’s affiliate members across the South West to prepare for mass mobilisation for the second term of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji;

    “As soon as the ban on the 2027 Campaign is lifted, all affiliate members should begin house-to-house, door-to-to campaign to ensure victory for Mr Abiodun Oyebanji with a percentage   never before seen in Ekiti electoral history.

    “In the area of Education, EKSU currently even in the face of limited resources is at the 12th position in a total of 270 universities in Nigeria including public and private.

    “The tradition of transparency he has built is evident in the comprehensive ranking list published by Times Higher Education rating for 2025.The BudgIT also scored Ekiti State Government 100 out of 100 in its ratings.

    “Ekiti was also placed at the top of the fiscal transparency index in the country.The foundation said the rating is based on budget approval, quarterly BIR, 2023. Other considerations were the audited financial statements, Accountant-General’s Reports, E-Procurement Portal, and State Website Data Accessibility apart from many other forms of assessment.

    The AYDM is the largest coalition of Pan Yoruba groups made up of 130 coalition members drawn from community based, artisan and professional groups. There are 130 AYDM coalition members which includes but not limited to South West Professional, (SOWPROF); O’odua Peoples Congress, (OPC-New Era); Yoruba Communities in West Africa, (YOCWA), O’odua Peoples Congress, OPC (Reformed);Agbekoya; South West Farmers Forum,(SWFAF); United Itsekiri Peoples Congress, (UIPC); ANAMMACO, representing Okada all Riders in the South West; South West Students Coalition, (SWSC); O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC); Yoruba Community Association in Northern Nigeria, (YOCANN); Ilaje Peoples Assembly; Igbimo Omo O’odua in Diaspora, Afenifere Progressive Youth Movement, (APYM), Egbe Ibile,  Yoruba Artisan and Traders Association, (YATA), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, (NATA), with some 5million registered members of mechanics established in 1953; Covenant Group, South West Professionals,(SOWPROF); Association of Yoruba Communities in West Africa (AYOCWA); Yoruba Artisan and Traders Association, (NATA); O’odua International Democratic Movement, (OIDEM); and O’odua Muslim-Christian Dialogue Group,(OIDEM).

  • Oluwo partners YCE to tackle extinction of Yoruba culture, reorientate tradition

    Oluwo partners YCE to tackle extinction of Yoruba culture, reorientate tradition

    Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Yoruba Council Of Elders(YCE) have partnered to tackle Yoruba culture extinction and reorientate the tradition of the tribe. 

    Oluwo during a visit by delegates of YCE led by their National President, Chief Ajibade Oyekan, to his palace, also commended its leadership for their holistic interest to protect Yoruba sovereignty.

    He said: “The council must caution Yoruba traditional rulers ascribing the etymology of other tribes to the Yorubas, while I am committed to protect Yoruba race and its appurtenance from infiltration such as deity worshipping by kings, land grabbing and traditional lording.

    “I commend the leadership of YCE for their love-rooted interest for the sovereignty of Yorubaland and cohesion amongst Yoruba Traditional Rulers and Yoruba race by extension. 

    “You have acted holistically. I love discussion solutions which is what they came for. I’m a cleaner. As a cleaner, you have to clean your house. I’m ready to work with you to clean Yoruba race. Yorubas are great people with excellent culture. I’m proud of Yoruba Council of Elders thoughtfulness, to visit and deliberate. This is a great move and tells a good future for the Yorubas.”

    Speaking after the visitation, the YCE National President, Chief Ajibade Oyekan, stated the move becomes necessary to promote Yoruba traditional council cohesion and discuss the means to checkmate the disproportionate losing of Yoruba land to strangers.

    “We want other traditional rulers to also be dynamic, to be opened to change. Not crazy change but good change. There were many things our father did in the past, no more of such. We want our monarchs to hold our culture and ensure they are dynamic to meet up with modern reality and promote tourism. It’s only when we upgrade that it can be attracted to and accepted by modern blood.”

  • Oyo First Lady distributes food items to nursing mothers

    Oyo First Lady distributes food items to nursing mothers

    Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has charged nursing mothers across the state on exclusively breastfeeding of their babies for the first six months of their life.

    She urged families, employers, communities and other stakeholders to create enabling environment so as to encouraged breastfeeding mothers.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a programme to commemorate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Mrs Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, emphasised the importance of breastfeeding, in line with this year’s global theme: “Prioritise Breastfeeding: create a sustainable support system.”

    She said: “Many mothers were forced to stop breastfeeding early due to lack of support from home and at work, that is why we must all work together to create an enabling environment for women to breastfeed their babies without shame.”

    She described breast milk as the baby’s first vaccine, which according to her is rich in antibodies that protect against children illnesses. 

    “Breastfeeding promotes emotional bonding between mother and child, and also helps mothers by reducing the risk of ovarian and breast cancers, and excessive bleeding after childbirth.”

    Makinde commended the state government for enacting six-month maternity leave policy, describing it as a major step toward encouraging exclusive breastfeeding.

    “I want to commend the Oyo State government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for passing into law the six-month maternity leave. This policy gives babies the healthy, nutritious start they deserve. We urge private companies to adopt this as well.”

    She also emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the breastfeeding journey. 

    Read Also: Oyo First Lady flags off 2025 mosquito net campaign, targets 5.6 million nets for distribution

    “Fathers must support mothers by helping at home. Employers must accommodate female workers with dedicated lactation spaces and implement maternity policies. Together, we can build a society where every mother feels comfortable and empowered to breastfeed, anywhere, anytime.”

    Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, described the event as one that brings global health priorities to the grassroots. 

    “Breastfeeding is more than a maternal issue it’s a public health and community development concern. And it starts with awareness like this.”

    Also, Egbeda Local Government chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda thanked the Mrs Makinde for supporting grassroots women with both knowledge and food items. 

    “These donations and the enlightening health talks will go a long way in encouraging our mothers to stay committed to exclusive breastfeeding.”

    During the event, nursing mothers were gifted food items, baby care kits, other materials to support their breastfeeding journey.

    Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the state government’s gesture.

    World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and encourage protective policies.

  • Kwara PDP loses members to APC, ADC

    Kwara PDP loses members to APC, ADC

    A wave of defection has hit Kwara State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Prominent members of the party led by ex-Kwara State governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed, have defected to African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The move by the defectors is seen as one of the biggest setbacks for the PDP in the state.

    Although former governor Ahmed has not officially announced his defection, he was quoted to have said last month that he would leave PDP for ADC.

    Citing a “lack of vision and internal democracy”, Ahmed reportedly said  the party could no longer deliver on the aspirations of its members.

    Bolaji Abdullahi, PDP’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Kwara Central and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) national publicity secretary, also joined ADC.

    In a speech in Ilorin, Abdullahi accused the PDP of “stagnation” and called the ADC “the only viable opposition in Kwara.”

    Other politicians that dumped PDP for ADC include Amuda Kanike, a former member of the House of Representatives; Hajiya Nana Suleiman, PDP North-Central zonal women leader; and A.T. Asanloko, a former council secretary.

    Read Also: 2027: Ogun PDP affirms support for Tinubu

    They said PDP’s leadership had failed to provide opportunities for inclusion and growth.

    Similarly, the 2023 PDP deputy governorship candidate and a two- term member of the House of Representatives, Gbenga Makanjuola, has joined the defection train by pitching his tent with the ruling APC in the state.

    He resigned from the PDP last year, keeping his next move then under wrap.

    But at a rally last week in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, Makanjuola said the PDP had “lost its soul” and that ‘’Kwara’s future lies in a party that works for the people.”

    Also, 2023 PDP House of Representatives candidate Dare Bankole has announced his defection to APC.

    Makanjuola and Bankole had pledged support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s development agenda.

    Others who had defected to the APC include Wahab Issa, a former member of the House of Representatives; Kehinde Alex Bankole, a 2019 state constituency candidate; Haliru Dantsoho, former PDP youth leader; Adam Zakaria, a ward chairman; Toyin Ibrahim, a former councillor; Samson Osoba, a former council secretary in Oyun; and Joshua Jalalala, a former Oyun Local Government chairman.

    Governor AbdulRazaq has welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in his administration.

    At a rally in Kaiama, he said: “Kwara is moving forward, and the APC is the vehicle for progress. We welcome all who share our vision.”

    For the PDP, the fallout has been severe. Many grassroots leaders, councillors and organisers who have formed the backbone of the party’s political structure in the state have abandoned it. With the departure of such a large number of leaders and their followers, observers say the PDP faces an uphill battle to remain relevant.

  • FUOYE embarks on internal restructuring

    FUOYE embarks on internal restructuring

    • Varsity deploys new departmental heads

    Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has begun the process of internal re-organisation aimed to further position the institution for academic excellence and administrative efficiency.

    The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, had communicated the intention of management to the Governing Council to notify and seek the approval of the Council for certain redeployments across departments and faculties.

    The acting VC said the redeployments were necessary to restructure administrative processes in the university ahead of the upcoming academic year and to cater for the vast number of prospective candidates for admission into the university.

    FUOYE has the third highest number of applications for admission in the 2025/26 academic year according to the database of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).

    According to Prof. Shittu, the effort is geared towards ensuring “all directors who have spent four years and above are replaced and that the appointment of heads of departments should be by seniority, except where the most senior person is having pending disciplinary action.”

    Read Also: How SUG election caused tension in FUOYE

    The Governing Council in its reaction to the development approved of all postings relating the Head of Department and faculty Deans, in the event there are no financial implications to the decision.

     The Council, however, rejected the deployment of a new procurement officer on the grounds that there was backlog of procurement that needed to be cleared, as time was of the essence.

    The other reason for the rejection of new procurement officer for the university, according to a memo dated August 4, was because “there is accreditation in September/October 2025 and this will affect progress, and to ensure that recruitment into the department is based on merit and accreditation of the Bureau of Public Procurement.”

    The objection of council further stems from a recent memo from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), dated 25 July, 2025 about evaluation and monitoring of high impact project intervention in the university, as it relates to the fourth floor of the Senate building of the university.

  • Makinde okays rebuilding of 23km Okaka-Igbojaye-KAP Road

    Makinde okays rebuilding of 23km Okaka-Igbojaye-KAP Road

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the reconstruction of the 23-kilometre stretch of road linking Okaka to Igbojaye and Kunle Afolayan Productions Film Village in Komu, all in Itesiwaju Local Government.

    The approval came on the heels of the governor’s commitment in April during the unveiling of the film village, as he expressed his administration’s readiness to enhance rural infrastructure and promote culture and tourism.

    Governor Makinde, disclosing the approval yesterday at the Hijrah 1447 luncheon organised by the state government and held at the Presidential Lodge, Secretariat, Ibadan, expressed his administration’s determination to finish on a strong note by delivering landmark projects and achieving its vision of sustainable development for the state.

    He called on residents to intensify efforts in praying for the government, supporting it and giving constructive criticisms and credible advice towards ensuring the last 22 months of the administration are as eventful as the past six years and two months.

    Read Also: Shettima, AfDB president, Makinde breakground for Ijaiye Agribusiness devt hub

    According to the governor, the support, advice and prayers of residents have, over the years, helped his administration to achieve unprecedented developments, which have also made the state a model in terms of peace, security and economic prosperity.

    Noting that his government is determined not to leave uncompleted projects, Governor Makinde said the administration had delivered on most of its promises under Omituntun 2.0 and that residents of the state should continue to remind the government about its promises.

    The governor equally used the opportunity of the occasion to make good on a promise he made during the last Omituntun Ramadan Lecture, saying: “During the last Ramadan Lecture that I organised, I promised the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland one bus and I have the key with me here.

    “And, for the Muslim Community, I also promised them a new bus and I have the bus here too.

    “Please reach out to us on any promise you feel we are yet to fulfil.”

    Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal thanked God for the opportunity to witness another Hijrah Luncheon celebration, while he also appreciated the governor for sustaining and supporting the programme every year.

  • Ekiti monarch seeks constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Ekiti monarch seeks constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    The Olukere of Odo-Oja, Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Ganiyu Obasoyin, has called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

    The monarch said traditional institutions had a crucial role to play in grassroots development and addressing socio-economic challenges.

    Oba Obasoyin said this during a news briefing as part of activities marking the 2025 annual Olosunta festival in the community.

    He said traditional rulers were well-positioned to contribute to governance due to their intimate knowledge of the local communities and their needs.

    Oba Obasoyin added that traditional rulers could play a significant role in maintaining security in their domains, leveraging their understanding of local dynamics to prevent and manage conflicts.

    He said: “It’s quite unfortunate that we are talking about giving Oba a role in government. It is supposed to be sacrosanct and a reality before now. Monarchs have the land, they have the people, they own the land and everything and it is a plus for government.

    “Obas should have a principal role that will help the security of the state and federal government because kings know the people in their towns. They can easily control any kind of attack and troubles in their land.

    “If there is collaboration with government, they have a role to play. Government should carry them along in day-to-day governance to help them bring a lot of developments to both the state and federal governments.”

    Read Also: My dream Ekiti on the bounce – Thanks to BAO

    The traditional ruler disclosed that this year’s nine-day Olosunta festival would be special, noting that it would afford residents the opportunity to seek the face of God for protection and guidance.

    Calling on the state government to expedite action by fulfilling their promise to enhance the cultural and economic impact of the age-long festival, he noted that the festival would attract tourists from around the globe, who are eager to experience the vibrant cultural heritage and festivities of the community.

    He said: “It’s the major and significant festival that we have in Ikere. It unites the three quarters of Ikere because they all participate in the festival every year. It brings some of our children who are at abroad home. Most times that we witness the festival, it brings about the cultural development of our community and attracts a lot of people to the town, thereby helping the community to grow.

    “Even though government promises are not coming speedily, we have the assurance that government has promised to develop the Olosunta festival to a stage whereby it will be a money-earning event. We are still looking forward to see government keep to that promise and I believe it will be a plus for us in Ikere to showcase our cultural and traditional beliefs to the entire world.

    “Since I sat on this my forefathers’ throne, I have been doing great things. For quite a very long time, we have been begging to get a university. After I ascended the throne, I prayed to God Almighty to give us a university and government looked at our request. Presently, we have Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology in Ikere-Ekiti.’’

  • Edo, WHO earmark six councils for MPox vaccination

    Edo, WHO earmark six councils for MPox vaccination

    Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said vaccination against the outbreak of Monkey Pox (MPox) would be conducted in six local governments.

    It listed the local government areas where the vaccination would hold to include Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North East, Esan North East, Oredo and Esan West.

    Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Impact Plus Project Immunisation Specialist in Edo State, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, who disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, said all residents in the listed local governments would be vaccinated.

    Dr. Efeomon said those to be vaccinated would be based on the information already available to the agency.

    He said the vaccination would be for health care workers and those who were immuno compromised.

    Efeomon listed other diseases in the state to include Dengue fever, Lassa fever, Yellow fever, Mpox and Diphtheria.

    Read Also: Nigeria receives 11,200 Gavi’s Mpox vaccine doses

    “We had this meeting today with stakeholders in Edo State to create awareness about the Mpox vaccination campaign, which will be happening in Edo State shortly.

    “This is a targeted campaign to help reduce the incidence of Mpox previously known as Monkey Pox in Edo State among health care workers and those who are immuno compromised. So those are the targeted groups that we are looking at.

    “Health care workers and those who are immuno compromised will be receiving two doses of this vaccine to be fully vaccinated and be protected against the Mpox.

    “Edo State is one of the states where we had an outbreak of Mpox in the country. This is why this vaccination is currently ongoing with support from the Federal Government, WHO, UNICEF and the state government.

    “So, the agency is going to be carrying out this vaccination in six targeted local governments where these cases have been reported.

    “So, we are reaching out to various groups and unions and we’re using a list line to ensure those who are at risk of these Mpox get vaccinated and are protected”, Dr. Efeomon said.

    Edo State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Eyo Nora, said the vaccine was safe.

    He said 2, 500 doses of vaccines were expected to be distributed to the six targeted local governments.